Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the banter, and the side characters.
The Not-So-Good: The closure. I wanted more even though I know I c3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the banter, and the side characters.
The Not-So-Good: The closure. I wanted more even though I know I can probably get them again in other books, but even the fact that the epilogue was about a side character and not them, left me disappointed.
The Bad: The lack of depth in the emotions. There was potential for it in some of the baggage they both had, but I felt like it was disappointing in a way, because it just didn't go there (if that makes sense ...more
I just couldn't get into it. I was reading it for so long and was never all that eager to continue. The H is all about the h unless the M worDNF @ 67%
I just couldn't get into it. I was reading it for so long and was never all that eager to continue. The H is all about the h unless the M word gets thrown in. The h is judgmental but also sending him mixed signals. I never really connected with either mc and I was kinda bored.p because I didn't feel their connection either. It could be a me thing!...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the side characters, the emotions, and the paper rings.
The Not-So-Good: The vague details of their dat4 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the side characters, the emotions, and the paper rings.
The Not-So-Good: The vague details of their dating lives while separated and I wanted the H's POV.
The Bad: The length of their separation and horrible communication.
Overall: This was a fun surprise! I'll fully admit that I do judge a book by its cover! While this illustration is perfectly cute and nothing aesthetically wrong with it per se, I've come to be cautious with these types of covers. I've found that the cutesy illustrated covers are usually over hyped and often disappointing reads. Don't hate me ...more
Quick Opinion: I'm not going to write my full review for this one. I liked it more than the first and I think it's because the characters seeme3 Stars
Quick Opinion: I'm not going to write my full review for this one. I liked it more than the first and I think it's because the characters seemed better ((view spoiler)[we got to focus on Phil's 3rd person accounts and mainly that his relationship with his new son made him more human; and I felt like Lina was stronger in this book and I liked how she stood up for herself more (hide spoiler)]). I still don't think I liked it all that much, but I wouldn't say I hated it either -- I just needed to see what happened.
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the humor, the characters, and the steamy scenes.
The Not-So-Good: The fact that in order to get the ex4 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the humor, the characters, and the steamy scenes.
The Not-So-Good: The fact that in order to get the extended epilogue, I had to sign up for the author's newsletter-- pet peeve of mine for sure.
The Bad: If anything would be considered "bad" I'd say that it's the fact that we don't get the H's POV. I think this prevented me from fully connecting with him. I know we got other people's opinions on him to help shape our opinion, but I didn't feel like it was enough-- I wanted to know what he was thinking many times.
Overall: This was much better than expected! There were a few things that I think could've brought it to a higher rating for me (more closure in the end, the H's POV, and more connection with side characters). That being said, I liked it! Good surprise as it tapped into my emotions, had some hot steamy times, and left me with a smile.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Jamie and Jackson's story. Jamie has been working for a matchmaking agency and on Jackson's case for over 8 months when she and her coworkers decide to send her on a date incognito to see what really was the problem. Only Jackson finds out who she really is and she finds out that her initial thoughts of him sabotaging the dates was true. Jackson's aunt is basically blackmailing him into using the service, and now she demands that he work with Jamie on what they call an immersion program that requires her to be his shadow, living with him and being his dating coach, for a month. There is some butting of heads, some secrets revealed, some funny moments, and some sexy times....and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in Jamie's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, more like a hate-to-friends-with-benefits-to-more
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Jackson. I liked him but I really wanted more into his psyche and I think having his POV could've really helped with that, because I don't feel like we got as deep into his character as I would've liked.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Jamie. I liked her. She was sassy and said it like it was but not in an annoyingly bitchy way.
Sadness level: Moderate. I shed some tears but never needed any tissues -- this was a surprise!
Push/Pull:Yes (view spoiler)[ They both push away and I'd say the H is the main pursuer of the relationship (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes (view spoiler)[there are a few OW that the H goes on dates with (per his requirement) that cause some jealousy, and one OW tries to kiss him but he doesn't allow it (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends in a cute place with what I would call a HEA ending (view spoiler)[they're married (hide spoiler)]
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does have both the h and H pushing away - Does Not have a separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse by mcs - Does have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
Quick Opinion: This was alright. I liked the premise and the characters but I felt like it was lacking something. I read this when I was on a t3 Stars
Quick Opinion: This was alright. I liked the premise and the characters but I felt like it was lacking something. I read this when I was on a trip and highly distracted by other things, so I didn't want to write my full review format in case I forgot something (especially because I read 2 other books since finishing this one too). I remember liking the idea of the women working together, and I also liked the idea of the H trying to solve a mystery, but it otherwise was not all that memorable or something that I will want to re-read. Bummer too, because I was in the mood for a good HR...
Safety: This should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences (view spoiler)[ No OW/OM drama or cheating (mild jealousy), Loss of a spouse that she finds out had a mistress, story ends with what I would call a HEA ending but the epilogue was mostly about setting up the next book (view spoiler)[ they're married(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)](hide spoiler)](hide spoiler)]...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the humor, the side characters
The Not-So-Good: The epilogue being right after the conflict was resolve3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the humor, the side characters
The Not-So-Good: The epilogue being right after the conflict was resolved -- which always bothers me
The Bad: The H's switch (see below)
Overall: This was better than I thought it'd be, but still was not as good as I now think it could've been. I was really bothered by the lack of on page work on the H's issues and how a switch just seemed to be flipped and it was all okay. I get that we were getting to the ending of the book and the author needed to tie things up, but it felt waaay too easy and kinda unbelievable. It tapped into my emotions at times, which was unexpected, but that switch had me frustrated in the end. I thought it was overall 3 "just okay" stars
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Lynsey and Josh's story. They meet when Josh confronts Lynsey for working in the hospital cafeteria for months on her thesis where he a doctor. They meet later that day through mutual friends and end up having a hate filled ONS. Only months later after an epically failed tinder date, they meet again when Lynsey is in the ER and they find out that she's pregnant with his baby. There is a lot of life changes, a bunch of personal baggage they have to work though, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Lynsey and Josh's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, more like hate-to-lust-to-friends-with-benefits-to-more
H (Hero) rating: 2.5 stars. Josh. I struggled with him. I understood he had trauma but I didn't like how he was so detached and then did a complete 180.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Lynsey. I liked her a little more than the h but I also wanted her to be a little more understanding at times (especially as a psychologist) or at least demand better from the H for their child.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I shed some tears but never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[ they both push away (H more) and also pursue the relationship at times (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes (view spoiler)[They are separated shortly (few days?), but there was no mention or suggestion of other partners during this time. (hide spoiler)]
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[Loss of a loved one/psychological trauma (off page), unexpected pregnancy (on page), and the H is ~7(?) years older than the h (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends with a cute epilogue and what I would call a HEA ending (view spoiler)[they're married and with their baby (hide spoiler)]
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does have both the h and H pushing away - Does have a short separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse - Does have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
Quick Opinion:. I was disappointed in the ending tbh. I even skimmed a good bit because it felt like it was a never ending and repetitive inter3 Stars
Quick Opinion:. I was disappointed in the ending tbh. I even skimmed a good bit because it felt like it was a never ending and repetitive internal battle the h was going through with herself and I was over it. I felt like it was slow and stretched out to then end abruptly -- which if you follow my reviews, you know I hate! I wanted much more of a HEA. I would barely classify it as that because the ending sucked and was in the same chapter as the conflict resolution -- which, again, is something I also usually hate! Overall, it was an enjoyable trilogy. I liked the Greek mythology aspect. I know there is at least one more book (if not more) of side characters which could give me more closure should I read them, but I'm not super eager to do that rn.
Quick Opinion: This was alright. It was a typical 2nd book in a trilogy that was full of filler. Adventures and trials, but not much else tbh. 3 Stars
Quick Opinion: This was alright. It was a typical 2nd book in a trilogy that was full of filler. Adventures and trials, but not much else tbh. It was okay. I'm hoping the final book will give me good closure......more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and Holden's (side character) relationship with the h
The Not-So-Good: The lack of connection I felt tow3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and Holden's (side character) relationship with the h
The Not-So-Good: The lack of connection I felt towards the characters.
The Bad: The ending was very much focused on setting up the next book, which is a pet peeve of mine (and I ended up skimming tbh)
Overall: This was alright. It took me a while to read and I think that alone says a lot. I wasn't all that eager to get back to it when I would get distracted. I guessed pretty much right away who the bad guy was and his motives, so that took away from it for me too. I felt indifferent towards the characters, and that became a struggle when being motivated to finish this. It seems like I'm in the minority yet again, so it very well could be the book funk I find myself in where I'm not feeling all that inspired...
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Evangeline and Phoenix's story. Phoenix surprises Evangeline by showing up at her parents' party for her birthday after being in prison for years. They have a past together that makes her all of a sudden having to marry him complicated. Phoenix is out for revenge after Evangeline put him in prison and forcing her to marry him is one of the first steps. They also have a mysterious stalker that is very much contributing to their relationship. Some major secrets get revealed, some old feelings come rushing back, and there are some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Evangeline and Phoenix's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good for the most part. I did end up skimming here and there because I wasn't really engaged.
Instalove: No, but residual feelings are there from before.
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Phoenix. I liked him more than the h, but barely.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Evangeline. She was alright. I think I didn't really feel one way or the other about her.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[ they both push away and I'd say the H is the main pursuer of the relationship (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Not between the mcs on page
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[Blackmail/Assault/Kidnapping/Drugging/Attempted Murder (on page), murder/loss of a loved one/imprisonment (off page), and the H was going to marry the h's sister (view spoiler)[more of a help a friend out thing and not romantic/intimate (hide spoiler)](hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends in a good place with what I would call a HEA ending (view spoiler)[they're married (hide spoiler)]
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does have both the h and H pushing away - Does Not have an on-page separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse by mcs - Does have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
Quick Opinion: This was disappointing. So disappointing that I don't even feel like writing my typical review. It was anticlimactic. They fin2.5 Stars
Quick Opinion: This was disappointing. So disappointing that I don't even feel like writing my typical review. It was anticlimactic. They finally get together and it's over. I hate that! I didn't even cry and I was expecting to, so that in itself was disappointing. It's definitely Not Safe for my safety gang gals, since there is cheating.
Quick Opinion: This was the end of the duet and I felt like it was just alright. It was full of miscommunication (which already isn't my favori3 Stars
Quick Opinion: This was the end of the duet and I felt like it was just alright. It was full of miscommunication (which already isn't my favorite) and then when they finally communicated, it was the end of the book. And then! I needed to sign up for a newsletter to get an extended epilogue! While I was greatly tempted because I had invested in these characters by reading two books for this, I didn't because I had already invested by reading two books! Nowhere near enough closure. Their conflict was resolved at the very end and there were so many unanswered questions. I also wanted to shake both mcs to just talk to one another! I would call this a HFN ending (view spoiler)[they've shared "ILYs" and she moved back from Paris (hide spoiler)]. I didn't hate it, but I'm definitely in the minority because I didn't love it. I might read the 3rd book because it's about side characters, but only if I know I get a HEA for them...
Safety: I would call this Safe with exception depending on your personal preferences. **BIG SPOILERS**(view spoiler)[Drug use/abuse/addiction (mostly off page), cutting (on page), unexpected pregnancy/miscarriage (off page), parent with health issues (on page), the H got injured in the military (off page), the mcs are step-siblings, and the h was with many other men (off page) while the H was celibate during their ~4 year separation (hide spoiler)]...more
Brief Opinion: This was intriguing. This had me engaged enough to want to go to the next book. While it did tap into my emotions, I wanted mo3.5 Stars
Brief Opinion: This was intriguing. This had me engaged enough to want to go to the next book. While it did tap into my emotions, I wanted more. I'm hopeful that I'll get that in the next book, the final book of this duet, This Life and All the Rest. They were completely dysfunctional, but I do like dysfunction sometimes. On to the next...
Safety: Probably Not Safe(view spoiler)[Cheating (H at least kisses OW who is his on again off again f-buddy and the h sees after they have kissed and established feelings, and there is an OM that is pursuing the h that it could be considered she cheats on emotionally with the H - on page), loss of a parent to OD/bipolar (off page), drug/alcohol abuse/use/addiction (on page), child abuse/abandonment (off page), and the h's dad and the H's mom get married making them step siblings (on page) (hide spoiler)]...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and the characters.
The Not-So-Good: The mcs didn't really have a conflict to overcome.
The Bad: Not ne3.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and the characters.
The Not-So-Good: The mcs didn't really have a conflict to overcome.
The Bad: Not necessarily bad, but the main reason for not giving a higher rating is my lack of emotional connection to the story.
Overall: This was enjoyable. I like the mob/bad guy theme every once in a while and this was good enough that I think I'll look into the rest of the series. If any of you have a recommendation as to which other book from this series to read next, please share! I liked the characters and it's no secret I'm a sucker for both arranged marriage and disabled mc themes, so this worked for me. I just wanted more depth of feelings while reading it. Especially because I felt like there was the potential for them!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Sienna and Drago's story. Sienna gets forced into an arranged marriage by the Don of a crime family that her older brother works for. Drago wants the relationship with the Italian mob boss to improve after previous issues. Sienna is expected to spy on the Serbian mob boss, but she quickly realizes that she likes his family and him too much to put them in danger, so this causes some conflict for her. There are some suspenseful scenes, some sweet moments, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Sienna and Drago's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, but instant attraction (view spoiler)[he claims he fell in love at first sight later, but he wasn't saying or thinking it at that point (hide spoiler)]
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Drago. I liked him. He was OTT possessive and might not be everyone's favorite, but I liked him.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Sienna. I liked her. She was quirky and funny, but I think I wanted her to allow herself to be more vulnerable with the H.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes, but mild (view spoiler)[ the h pushes away emotionally for a while, but it was pretty mild (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[Arranged marriage/blackmail/criminal activity/murder (on page), loss of loved ones (off page), the h was a virgin (on page), the H has partial hearing loss (on page), and the H is ~15ish (?) years older than the h's 20 (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This has a few jump ahead epilogues that we're cute and gave good closure, so I would call this a HEA (view spoiler)[they're still married with 3 children (hide spoiler)]
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does have the h pushing the H away emotionally - Does Not have a separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse by mcs - Does have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the MCs, the side characters, and the setting
The Not-So-Good: The amount of closure for this greedy re4 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the MCs, the side characters, and the setting
The Not-So-Good: The amount of closure for this greedy reader
The Bad: Not necessarily bad, but I would've liked more groveling by the sister
Overall: This was cute and better than expected! When I read the blurb, I automatically thought of the movies, Wedding Date and Anyone But You. While this definitely had those vibes, it was also unique in its own way. I would've liked to have the farther glimpse into their future without having to sign up to get an extended epilogue, but that's me being greedy. Overall, I liked it.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Paisley and Klein's story. Paisley has to be maid of honor to her younger sister who is marrying her ex at a weeklong island wedding. She bumps into Klein, who unknowingly kinda broke her heart in college, and they realize that they can help each other out. Klein agrees to be her fake date and she agrees to use her marketing firm's resources to help him find a publisher for his book. They realize that the instant connection they felt one drunken night in college wasn't a fluke and those feelings start coming back. There is family drama, some funny moments, some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Paisley and Klein's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they knew each other in college.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Klein. I liked him. I thought he might've been a little too perfect, but that might have also been because he seemed to fall first (and that's not my favorite)
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Paisley. I liked her. I appreciated her loyalty and her personal growth in the story.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes, but mild (view spoiler)[the h pushes away a little but not too much and I'd say the H is the main pursuer of the relationship (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes (view spoiler)[ the h's ex is marrying her younger sister and he causes some drama by being jealous and not over her (hide spoiler)]
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[ the h's sister is marrying her ex (on page), cheating (side character off page), and the H has dyslexia (off page) (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends with a cute epilogue and what I would call a HEA ending (view spoiler)[they get married (hide spoiler)], but he author offers an extended epilogue if you sign up (I'm not going to)
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does have the h pushing the H away - Does Not have a separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse - Does have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and banter.
The Not-So-Good: The h.
The Bad: The off page slight time jumps that took the place of on pag3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and banter.
The Not-So-Good: The h.
The Bad: The off page slight time jumps that took the place of on page connection between the mcs -- it felt like I was just told they connected instead of experiencing it with them.
Overall: This was alright. I'm honestly surprised I made it through because the beginning was slow and I didn't really like the h. I liked the premise and banter, so I think that's what had me sticking with it. I would've liked more time with them connecting on page because I do feel like some of that was done off page in slight time jumps. This, potentially, would've made me feel their connection to each other more, which is probably my biggest issue.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Duffy and Riggs story. Duffy catches Riggs in a compromising position with her married high-profile boss and takes advantage of the situation by blackmailing him into marriage for her visa that is about to expire. Riggs agrees to it to get his own boss off his back and to prevent it coming out that he is the billionaire he is. They bump heads and eventually give into their attraction to become f-buddies while married and waiting for the immigration meeting and end up catch feelings for the first time with one another. There is some ex drama, some secrets revealed, some baggage they both have to work through, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Duffy and Riggs POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good for the most part. The beginning felt slow. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: No, more like hate-to-f-buddy-to-more
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Riggs. I liked him but he really was immature a lot of the time.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Duffy. I struggled with her a lot at first but I appreciated her character growth by the end.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I shed a few tears but didn't get as emotional as I thought it would.
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes (view spoiler)[there is a scene at the very beginning of the H and the h's boss, who is his f-buddy (hide spoiler)]
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation: Yes (view spoiler)[They are separated shortly, and both said there were no other partners during this time. (hide spoiler)]
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[Loss of a parent/child abandonment (off page), loss of a parent to Huntington's Disease (on page), cheating by side character (off page), the H was a manwhore before the h (mostly off page), and growing up in poverty (off page) (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends in a cute place with what I would call a HEA ending (view spoiler)[they're still married and she is pregnant (hide spoiler)]
Safety: This one should be either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating - Does have a descriptive sex scene with the H and OW - Does have both the h and H pushing away - Does have a separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse - Does have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
Quick Opinion: I know! 72%! And the 3rd book! I was just so bored. I was skimming the abundance of sex scenes that, again, felt like filler. DNF @ 72%
Quick Opinion: I know! 72%! And the 3rd book! I was just so bored. I was skimming the abundance of sex scenes that, again, felt like filler. I needed substance. I have way too many books on my tbr list and with the limited time I've had lately to read, I don't want to spend any more time with this one. I am honestly surprised I made it this far. Especially after feeling meh for the 2nd book. Oh well! If you want a smutty fantasy romance with a slight ACOTAR feel...this might work for you....more
Quick brief opinion: This felt like filler to me. I think it's the stereotypical cursed 2nd book in a series. It felt like not that much happen3 Stars
Quick brief opinion: This felt like filler to me. I think it's the stereotypical cursed 2nd book in a series. It felt like not that much happened except the h being a little annoying with holding her anger way too long, a bunch of steamy scenes, and a climactic cliffhanger to get us to get the next book. Was it still enough for me to go on to read the next book now? Yes. But I feel like I'm toeing that line of calling it quits if it doesn't pick up soon...
Safety This should be safe for my safety gang gals...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The characters and banter.
The Not-So-Good: The slooooow burn (see below).
The Bad: The instalove, the lying, the H2.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The characters and banter.
The Not-So-Good: The slooooow burn (see below).
The Bad: The instalove, the lying, the H's brother, and the ending.
Overall: I'm not really sure why I was drawn to this one tbh, but I was. I typically don't like stories where one of the mcs is lying the whole time, so I should've known better. I did, however, like the characters and the banter. I just didn't like much else. And it was way too slow of a burn for me. I'm going to give it a little less than 3 stars.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Gwen and Ethan's story. Ethan gets sucked in to his twin brother's scheme that has him going on a road trip with his brother's girlfriend that he's ready to put into the friend-zone. Only the sparks fly when Ethan meets Gwen and he decides to go along with it to spend more time to this new woman that he is drawn to. Gwen is stressed out because she's headed to a wedding and will see her ex and her ex-best friend that cheated on her and she's unsure about her relationship with her boyfriend. Only after they meet to make final plans she feels the sparks that have been greatly lacking, and has her reconsidering ending things. There are some cute road-trip scenes, some truths revealed, and a few sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Gwen and Ethan's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good for the most part, I never skimmed but I thought it was a little slow at times.
Instalove: Yes, because they fell in a matter of days
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Ethan. I liked him but he definitely needed to communicate better!
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Gwen. I liked her. I appreciated her strength and how squirrelly she was.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[ the H pushes the h away in a sense because he's lying to her and the h pushes away too, I'd say the H is the main pursuer of the relationship (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. Super slow burn as (view spoiler)[the H gives the h oral around 70% and then they are not fully intimate until 96% (hide spoiler)]
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes (view spoiler)[the brother changes his mind and decides he wants her back (hide spoiler)]
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes, technically (view spoiler)[the h and H are physical and develop strong feelings even though the h thinks he is her brother, who she is technically dating (hide spoiler)]
Separation: Yes (view spoiler)[They are separated shortly (couple weeks?), but there was no mention or suggestion of other partners during this time. (hide spoiler)]
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[ the H stands in for his twin brother with his gf and lies to her (on page), unknowingly cheating (on page), and the h was cheated on by her ex and one of her best friends (off page) (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ended in an alright place but with what I would call a HFN ending (view spoiler)[she meets his parents as his gf (hide spoiler)]
Safety: This one should be either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences (view spoiler)[ - Does technically have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does have the h pushing the H away - Does have a separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse - Does Not have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]
Merged review:
2.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The characters and banter.
The Not-So-Good: The slooooow burn (see below).
The Bad: The instalove, the lying, the H's brother, and the ending.
Overall: I'm not really sure why I was drawn to this one tbh, but I was. I typically don't like stories where one of the mcs is lying the whole time, so I should've known better. I did, however, like the characters and the banter. I just didn't like much else. And it was way too slow of a burn for me. I'm going to give it a little less than 3 stars.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Gwen and Ethan's story. Ethan gets sucked in to his twin brother's scheme that has him going on a road trip with his brother's girlfriend that he's ready to put into the friend-zone. Only the sparks fly when Ethan meets Gwen and he decides to go along with it to spend more time to this new woman that he is drawn to. Gwen is stressed out because she's headed to a wedding and will see her ex and her ex-best friend that cheated on her and she's unsure about her relationship with her boyfriend. Only after they meet to make final plans she feels the sparks that have been greatly lacking, and has her reconsidering ending things. There are some cute road-trip scenes, some truths revealed, and a few sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Gwen and Ethan's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good for the most part, I never skimmed but I thought it was a little slow at times.
Instalove: Yes, because they fell in a matter of days
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Ethan. I liked him but he definitely needed to communicate better!
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Gwen. I liked her. I appreciated her strength and how squirrelly she was.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[ the H pushes the h away in a sense because he's lying to her and the h pushes away too, I'd say the H is the main pursuer of the relationship (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. Super slow burn as (view spoiler)[the H gives the h oral around 70% and then they are not fully intimate until 96% (hide spoiler)]
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes (view spoiler)[the brother changes his mind and decides he wants her back (hide spoiler)]
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes, technically (view spoiler)[the h and H are physical and develop strong feelings even though the h thinks he is her brother, who she is technically dating (hide spoiler)]
Separation: Yes (view spoiler)[They are separated shortly (couple weeks?), but there was no mention or suggestion of other partners during this time. (hide spoiler)]
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[ the H stands in for his twin brother with his gf and lies to her (on page), unknowingly cheating (on page), and the h was cheated on by her ex and one of her best friends (off page) (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ended in an alright place but with what I would call a HFN ending (view spoiler)[she meets his parents as his gf (hide spoiler)]
Safety: This one should be either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences (view spoiler)[ - Does technically have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does have the h pushing the H away - Does have a separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse - Does Not have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
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